In the legislative session in 1989 the legislature passed a bill that merged the University System of South Texas into the larger Texas A&M University System. That summer the Board of Directors of the University System of South Texas voted itself out of existence as the school was merged into the larger Texas A&M University System.  The tradition bound Alumni Association was willing to accept the merger, but was emphatic about maintaining the school’s individual  identity and NAME.  When legislation was introduced in 1993 to change the name of Texas A&I University to Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a vocal element of the  Alumni Association felt betrayed.    The students, faculty, administrators  and many of the more forward looking alumni accepted the change and looked toward a brighter future.    

     The decade that followed brought many changes to the little school. The Board looked outside the academic world when Dr. Manuel Ibanez retired as TAMUK president and returned to the classroom. They turned to retired General Marc Antonio Cisneros to lead the school through a troubling time.  General Cisneros was a native son and fifth generation Tejano from Premont, Texas. He had risen high in the military, but, decided to return to his home and sought an occupation that would allow him to be of service to his community. He was an exceptional leader who mesmerized the State Legislature and was able to increase enrollment, while persuading the State to invest in building a new multimillion dollar building for the Dotterweich College of Engineering, and open the first professional school in South Texas, the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy.

     When President Cisneros decided to leave the academic world, the Board decided to seek an academician to continue the growth he had started. This time the Board of Regents named another south Texas native son, Dr. Rumaldo Juarez, originally from Robstown, Texas, to lead the school as it entered into an era as a Carnegie Institute University making it noted for its academic programs. A scholar in  he field of sociology, Dr. Juarez has done considerable academic research and study in the area of medical needs and it seemed fitting as he developed the new Pharmacy school.

     The oldest institution of higher education in South Texas, Texas A&M University-Kingsville continues its effort to bring quality education to the community it serves.

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